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subalpine

American  
[suhb-al-pahyn, -pin] / sʌbˈæl paɪn, -pɪn /

adjective

  1. pertaining to the regions at the foot of the Alps.

  2. Botany. growing on mountains below the limit of tree growth, and above the foothill, or montane, zone.


subalpine British  
/ sʌbˈælpaɪn /

adjective

  1. situated in or relating to the regions at the foot of mountains

  2. (of plants) growing below the treeline in mountainous regions

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of subalpine

First recorded in 1650–60; sub- + alpine

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Desolation Wilderness in Eldorado National Forest is a short drive from South Lake Tahoe and covers “63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest, granitic peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes,” according to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

Mountain goats are tied to rugged alpine and subalpine habitats.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2024

A nonnative tree-killing insect is invading northern Utah, attacking subalpine fir and potentially triggering yet another die-off of the region's long-stressed conifer forests.

From Science Daily • May 14, 2024

Rise through subalpine terrain to marvel at the snowy Olympic range and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 14, 2023

Between the subalpine areas and the river valleys there are several large ancient burns which are partly reforested.

From The Forests of Mount Rainier National Park by Allen, Grenville F.

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